Coyle pays tribute to Allardyce

20 February 2010 11:56

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Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle has paid a glowing tribute to Sam Allardyce, the man who warmed the Trotters dug-out for almost eight years.
Allardyce has since managed Newcastle United and now Blackburn Rovers, who Coyle's side come up against this weekend, and the current Bolton boss has hailed the legacy Big Sam left behind.
Allardyce turned Wanderers into a tough Premier League outfit and guided them to a European spot and a Carling Cup final berth during his successful tenure and Coyle is happy with what he has inherited.
He said: "We are sitting here in the training ground, which is part of Sam's legacy.
"Along with Phil Gartside (chairman) and Eddie Davies (owner), they all came together and had a vision. They had the finance to back it up and Sam has left a tremendous legacy at this club.
"Sam is someone I have a lot of time for. He is a tremendous manager with a fine backroom staff and after the game we will have a chat."
Ahead of the game, Coyle will monitor the progress of Croatia striker Ivan Klasnic, who won't be risked if not fully-fit.
"Klasnic has not trained with the group yet but he may join in tomorrow. If he does I will have to look at that," added Coyle.
"What I can't do is take a chance with him and have him miss another two or three weeks because he is a natural goalscorer. He will be important for us in the run-in."